Putin congratulates Iran leader, pledges support

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, on his election and promised Moscow’s ‘unwavering support’.

According to the Kremlin, Putin said in his message that Iran was facing armed aggression and that the new leader would need courage and determination in his high office. He also expressed his conviction that Khamenei would continue the legacy of his father, Ali Khamenei, and unite Iranians in times of great trial.

Putin emphasised in his message that Russia ‘has been and will remain a reliable partner of the Islamic Republic’. The statement is the latest signal that Moscow intends to maintain close relations with Tehran even after the change at the head of the Iranian regime.

The Russian president had previously expressed his condolences following the killing of Ali Khamenei.

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